Assistant superintendent Brooks announces superintendent candidacy

Dr. Lewis Brooks, assistant superintendent of administration and pupil services for Shelby County Schools, has announced his candidacy for superintendent of Shelby County Schools.

Lewis Brooks, assistant superintendent of administration and pupil services for Shelby County Schools, announced Monday his candidacy for superintendent of Shelby County Schools. Superintendent Randy Fuller announced late last week his plan to retire, at this end of his third term in the position.

"I decided to run for the position of superintendent of Shelby County Schools because, after many years of working in the district, I know the parents, educators and staff here have such a high level of commitment to excellence in education for the students we serve,” Brooks said in a press release. “I love that about this district and I share that same commitment."

Brooks has served as assistant superintendent for six years and said he has enjoyed serving on the executive leadership team during that time. In this role, he has worked to develop and implement the Safe Schools initiative, which involved a partnership with the Shelby County Commission, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement.

Brook is also a 26-year Shelby County resident, and identified himself as having worn many hats in the district, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and middle school coordinator.

"I have been blessed throughout my long career as an educator to have served in many different roles at schools throughout Shelby County," Brooks said. "This has not only given me invaluable experience but has also allowed me to build lasting relationships with students and parents in these communities."

This year is Brooks’ 28th year in public education.

Brooks will run as a Republican Party candidate, and said his platform “is comprised of a three-by-three plan that focuses on school improvement and safety, community partnerships and student innovation,” according to the release.

“As superintendent, my administration will be centered around leadership, development, organizational commitment, and the recruitment and retention of highly qualified employees at every level,” Brooks said.

He also aims to enhance innovation and create more opportunities for 21st century teaching and learning experiences.

“We will prepare our diverse body of students for the careers of the future,” he said.

Stakeholder interaction and input are integral to the school district’s success, Brooks said, and he plans to engage stakeholders through student, teacher and parent advisory committees.

Brooks has been involved in the YMCA, King’s Home, the D.A.Y. Program and is the vice president of Awards and Recognition for the University of Montevallo National Alumni Board.

Brooks is a graduate of the University of Montevallo and received his doctorate of education from Samford University. He currently teaches graduate courses at Montevallo and serves as an adjunct professor and liaison to the Orlean Beeson College of Education at Samford.

Brooks is married to Resia Brooks, the human resources coordinator for Shelby County Schools. They have two sons, Jordan and Justin Brooks, who are recent college graduates and attended Shelby County Schools.

The primary election for superintendent will be held in June, and the general election will be in November.